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Challenges of Re-Entry

This picture was of us on our last furlough. We drove 14,000 miles in 3 months.

For missionaries, some of the most difficult times are those immediately before departure to and after arrival in the United States. For us, there is so much to do to get ready, and with our push to move into our first home, we are leaving Paraguay emotionally, physically and financially depleted. Now, we are in the final countdown before takeoff and every hour is critical.

Our first week in the U.S. we will be apart while Norberto attends Expolit, a conference for Christian Spanish Radios and Bookstores in Miami. Julie and Timmy will be in Orlando with family. I (Julie) will also teach a session in Missionary Venture's Missionary Training!

Please pray for us as we finish up, travel for 36 hours (including a bus trip to Orlando) and settle in to our ever-changing environment. This will be the first trip to the States that Timmy will remember. It may be strange or entertaining for him to see fast highways, big buildings, humongous supermarkets, parks, playgrounds, libraries and things that we don't have here. So, pray for his cultural acclimatization as well. We'll be on the road most days, so pray that we can have safe and fun travels too.

Even though adjusting back to the States has its challenges, it's totally worth it! We are so thankful for the opportunity to see you and thank you personally for all the sacrifices you make to help spread the love of Christ in Paraguay.
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  1. Rebecca Conduff AguirreMay 12, 2009 at 7:43 AM

    Yes, I agree, those times are some of the most stressful we've had! But good times, too, mostly. Will be thinking of you...

    Expolit sounds really interesting...Miguel will enjoy looking at the website. He's been selling a few books here, mostly missionary biographies and is getting into literature in Spanish. Would be neat to see more of what's out there...

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  2. ChristieMay 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM

    We'll be praying for your adjustments to the change in schedule, etc. We'll miss you on this end and hope you have time to blog a bit while you're on furlough. Enjoy it and drink a root beer for me, please! (My daughter says she'd like for you to eat some Taco Bell for her...)

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